We recently connected with Anetra Burton and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anetra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The short story is….my name is Anetra Burton, and my potential is Unlimited!

The vision behind my company name is that growing up surrounded by talented athletes, singers, brainiacs, and beautiful people, I never felt like I was good enough or seen. I was the friendly, tall, and kind of invisible girl who cheered for everyone else and always had a camera in her hand.

I started capturing incredible moments in elementary school. My uncle Darrell (a professional photographer and chef) saw the excitement I would always display at the very sight of a camera and put one in my hands as soon as I was strong enough to hold it. He taught me about lighting, shadows, and shooting aesthetically pleasing things. Keeping those things in mind, I took photos of friends, family, animals at the zoo, and any other moments I wanted to remember forever.

Fast forward to high school, and I still have a camera in my hand…all the time. I was clicking away at sporting events, school dances, and even in the classroom. It was during these years that I got involved with our school newspaper. Having a defined purpose for my photos changed how I saw what was on the other end of my lens. Specific stories required specific images. I was fortunate to have a teacher who allowed me to utilize my creativity in how I captured those images.

One day, there was a bad car wreck in front of our school, right on the edge of the school’s property. It just so happened that the collision occurred during our newspaper class and our classroom was on the same side of the building. Immediately our teacher began to discuss what it was like for journalists to cover wars and other dangerous situations. As he spoke, I started to dance in my seat because all I wanted at the moment was to go outside and take photos of the action. My teacher knew me well and asked if anyone was interested in going out in front of the school and seeing if we could collect helpful information about what happened and possibly a photo or 2 (from a safe distance, of course) to use in the next issue of the school paper. Long story short, we went, our reporters did a great job collecting information, and the images I captured ended up not only on the front page of the school paper but also in a small article done by our local newspaper! Someone saw me…saw my gift, and acknowledged how impactful it was.

I realized that I had a special gift. Anyone can pick up a camera and take a picture, but not everyone can capture a moment! (Feel free to quote that dope line : )
I looked back on that moment and others. I compared them to the creative events that have taken place over the last 10 years and realized that the evolution of the creative side of my life had made room for me in spaces where it did not previously exist. And the trajectory of a creative mind and spirit (like mine) knows no boundaries and is, therefore…limitless.
AKA Anetra Burton is Unlimited!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Anetra C. Burton, and I am good vibes! I am also creativity, resilience, and a professional sparkler!

In my spare time, I am a single mother of 3 incredible humans, a scholar, a friend, a sister, a cheerleader, and the owner of #AB Unlimited Photography!

I gravitated towards photography at a very early age because it was fascinating and made me happy. My unique eye gave me a marketable edge in the industry as I got older and wiser. During 2020, the newfound stillness that the planet endured allowed me to envision what being a business owner would look like and formulate a plan.

I graduated with my Master’s degree in Communication in 2021 from Wichita State University, and the following Fall (after being unexpectedly blessed with being laid off) officially launched my company and have never looked back!

#AB Unlimited is your one-stop shop for capturing moments that matter. We specialize in creative sports and event photography that is outside of the box! We also offer graphic design, live sports and event media coverage, and public relations services. We always strive to exceed our client’s expectations because doing the bare minimum is boring and important moments deserve better.

The main thing that sets us apart from others is simple. Its passion! We find great joy and take immense pride in capturing the moments that matter most to our clients.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Working in corporate America for years, I was programmed to seek the approval and praise of my supervisors, and my self-esteem was tied to my success at work and their happiness, never my own. I had to learn to have a better relationship with the word “NO” and listen to my body and spirit when they were trying to tell me to prioritize “me.”

That toxic type of dysfunctional thinking leads to severe bouts of anxiety, depression, and burnout. The truth is most companies would replace you and move on rather than support you by providing a safe space to get the help you need.

Now that I am in the position of working for myself or only working with people and companies that I choose to work with, I can better protect my peace and control the energy I allow in my space. And I see why It is essential to share this knowledge with the younger generations who will one day be our business owners and leaders so that they do not make similar missteps.

How’d you meet your business partner?

When I decided who would be best suited to creatively and honestly have my back, I called on Aaliyah Blanchard to be the Creative Director for my company! She is an up-and-coming recording artist, music producer, writer, and one hell of a chef! She has been my photographer and editor for years and is a multi-talented creator in her own right.
But her most crucial role in my life is being my daughter!

Faith and family are the most important things in my life! They sustain me, they revive me and give me the strength to pushing on and continue breaking generational curses and paving a better way for those who will come after me. Whether it’s family by blood or friends that have become family…my circle stays the same!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abunlimitedphotography.godaddysites.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abunlimitedphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABUnlimited316
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anetra-burton-mac-b3812a7b/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Firediva316

Image Credits
Aaliyah S. Blanchard, #AB Unlimited Photography Anetra C. Burton, #AB Unlimited Photography